Topic: Delta Smelt

Governor Gavin Newsom is criticized for the removal of four dams to benefit salmon and indigenous fishing rights, which critics argue removed vital water sources for firefighting. The segment also revisits the protection of the Delta Smelt, a small fish that has historically limited water diversions to Southern California.

The ongoing water crisis in California's Central Valley is highlighted, where farmers are being "starved out" by the government's refusal to allocate water. Reservoirs are being emptied to protect the Delta smelt, leaving hundreds of miles of farmland and orchards to dry up. The hosts note that this man-made scarcity aligns with the goals of the "Natural Asset Class" and food simulation scripts.

Reports indicate that California reservoirs, including the Shasta Reservoir, have been intentionally drained despite being nearly full earlier in the year. While officials claim the water release is necessary to save the Delta smelt fish, critics argue it is a manufactured crisis to justify water rationing and support climate change narratives. This mismanagement of water resources is compared to the historical corruption depicted in the film "Chinatown."

Donald Trump addressed California's water shortage, blaming environmental regulations protecting the delta smelt for "shoving water out to sea." The discussion explores the technical challenges of moving freshwater to the San Joaquin Valley without causing saltwater intrusion in the delta.

John C. Dvorak criticizes California's environmental policies for cutting off water to Central Valley farmers to protect the Delta smelt fish. He argues this has decimated local agriculture while increasing reliance on produce trucked in from Mexico. The segment describes the "desertification" of once-rich farming areas due to political mismanagement.